Is the Android Auto 2018 Update too little too late?

Android Auto lets drivers take over their cars infotainment system and hasn’t gotten a significant update since 2015. For most cars on the road today being able to plug in your smartphone into your car and get a familiar interface tops whatever crappy system it came with. Unfortunately for Google & Apple automakers have not been sitting around idly, they’ve been busy improving their onboard systems and the latest update to Android Auto is good but is it good enough?

Android Auto has a completely new UI, it’s sleeker, has smarter messaging and a slew of third-party apps that are mostly focused on messaging and media.

Google has always been more comfortable with allowing 3rd party apps into its car ui, the selection of apps we’re seeing in the io demo is already impressive. That the system can rely on third-party app makers to provide innovation is the only way this platform could remain relevant. Volvo’s CX40 will offer the highest level of integration of Android Auto and we’re meant to see this system roll out in 2020.

Nicole Scott takes a look at the 2018 Android Auto demo that was shown at Google IO in May and provides some context around what’s happening in the automotive industry today. Is it too little too late?